Is Electric For You?

Range and Battery Technology

The most common concern with electric vehicles in general is their range capabilities and accessibility to charging points when on the road. Range anxiety, once a significant concern for EV owners, has been alleviated with advancements in battery technology and the expansion of charging infrastructure.

Lithium-Ion batteries, the most common type used in electric vehicles, boast higher energy-to-weight ratios and low self-discharge levels, resulting in better energy storage and longer-lasting charge, meaning you get more out of a single journey. Additionally, innovations such as cell balancers now allow for targeted repairs, opposed to entire cell replacement, increasing cost efficiency, and extending the lifespan of batteries.

Charging Infrastructure:

Access to a reliable and widespread charging network is crucial for electric van fleets to minimise downtime and ensure efficient operations.

Rapid charging facilities enable quick turnarounds, enhancing productivity, while strategic route planning helps mitigate range anxiety and maximise vehicle utilisation. A robust charging infrastructure fosters confidence among businesses looking to transition to electric fleets, aligning with environmental goals, driving innovation towards a greener future.

In Zapmap’s EV charging statistics 2024, the end of January saw a total of 55,301 charging points across the UK which is a 46% increase since January 2023.

Government Incentives and Grants

Despite higher upfront costs of EVs in comparison to your combustion engine counterparts, the long-term savings from reduced fuel and maintenance expenses make EVs financially appealing for businesses. The UK Government’s grant on low-emission and electric vehicles can significantly offset initial purchase costs for eligible vehicles, making the transition to electric fleets more accessible and cost-effective.

Small Vans – 35% of the purchase (maximum contribution of £2,500) for small vans with a gross weight of less than 2500kg and produce less than 50g per km of CO2 emissions. The vehicle must also be able to travel at least 60 miles without producing any emissions.

Large Vans – 35% of the purchase price (maximum contribution of £5,000) for large vans with a gross weight between 2500-4250kg and produce les than 50g per km of CO2 emissions. The vehicle must also be able to travel at least 60 miles without producing any emissions.

Additional grants such as the Electric Vehicles Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) or the On-street Residential ChargePoint Scheme (ORCS) may assist individuals and businesses with residential and commercial charging points.